Vaucluse Estate Est. 1825

History of Vaucluse

Initially the farmhouse at Vaucluse was near the river, however, after flooding, a new home was built on the current site in the 1820's.

The homestead was completed in 1830 in its current form, as a four-story brick and stucco mansion, and subsequently renovated in 1940.

At one time there were three pianos, and before the inground pool was installed in the 1970’s there was a tennis court which saw some great tennis parties in its day. Hunts at Vaucluse were renowned as were picnics on the riverbanks and in a previous era the governor would stay when he was visiting Northern Tasmania. Vaucluse Homestead has made a significant contribution to Tasmania’s history, culture and rural life and is listed on the state heritage register.

The name 'Vaucluse' derives from 'Valla Clausa' which means 'secluded valley'.

1825 - Robert Bostock with his wife Rachael acquired Vaucluse.

1847 - Robert dies at Vaucluse and unlike many families at the time, decides to divide the estate equally between his 9 surviving children. This leads to Vaucluse being sold for about 9000 pounds to John Bayles of Campbell Town. John then acquired the property adjoining Vaucluse, Glen Esk soon after.

John Bayles’ son RH Bayles, a bachelor, was unsure who to leave Vaucluse and Glen Esk to. So he one day paid a visit to his sister and brother-in-law, Charles Headlam to discuss the matter and it was decided that whichever one of their boys were the first to open the gate for him as he left today would become his heir, their son Robert opened the gate!

1883 - Robert Headlam succeeded his uncle and after Robert’s death, the property was sold to the MacKinnon family.

1917 - After the MacKinnon family moved here Vaucluse became synonymous with success and social status. A premier Corriedale sheep stud with Vaucluse clips reaching Australian price records.

1963 - The MacKinnon family lived at Vaucluse for eighty years before selling it to the Warners.

1997 - Michael and Susie Warner, originally from Tasmania had spent a decade in Western Australia and were looking for a farming property to return to. They purchased the property and set about on a 12 month renovation to restore the property to its former glory. This involved painting, laying carpets, installing modern heating and removing layers of brown wallpaper.

Michael and Susie laid one and a half hectares of new lawn and rumour has it that they were never a week and a half away from being mowed by Michael - the lawns were immaculate.

They restored the glass house and turned it into an indoor/outdoor eating and relaxation area with plants and alfresco dining furniture.

Michael’s focus was farming and he set about diversifying the farm into poppy, potato, wheat and ryegrass-seed production as well as wool and beef.

2015 - The property was sold again, this time to corporate owners. There was a strong focus on developing land and running a successful and sustainable mixed cropping and livestock business. There was also a large desire to preserve the beautiful and iconic building, this lead to the homestead undergoing a significant restoration and development to convert from a private homestead to a space that could be enjoyed by the public.

2019 - Vaucluse Estate Tasmania opens to the public as a boutique accommodation experience.

2022 - The property was sold once again to the current owners; a New Zealand based private company. With a large focus on the agricultural aspect, the current owners are also very committed to continue showcasing Vaucluse Estate as a beautiful homestead that can be shared with guests who book the estate for exclusive use bookings, whether a wedding or corporate booking/retreat.